Electronics Technology


High-frequency SMA connectors

11 November 2009 Electronics Technology

Vitelec released a range of high-frequency SMA end launch connectors. Specifically designed for the transition of microwave energy from coaxial to planar transmission line structures, the low-profile range is suitable for a variety of applications including GPS antennas, wireless infrastructure antennas, radar systems and high-speed routers and switches.

The connectors are specifically targeted at engineers designing circuits on very thin, high-frequency board substrates. The inline connector design minimises reflections in comparison to a right angle PC mount transition and allows operation at frequencies up to 26,5 GHz.

Eliminating the requirement for external mounting screws, adaptor sections or spring clips for assembly to the circuit board, the connectors incorporate a number of features that differentiate the range from other launch connectors. The centre contact pin does not require special orientation to the surface of the circuit board; it is mechanically captivated and maintains proper impedance while withstanding torque and axial forces.

Output coax of the connector at board launch is appropriately sized to match the thickness of the high-frequency board substrate, while the launch transition is effectively isolated from adjacent transmission lines in the signal plane. As a result, no additional shielding is required to prevent signal cross-talk effects in the transition area.

When placed on a circuit board, the connectors’ floating design allows alignment in X, Y and Z planes, minimising discontinuities due to manufacturing tolerances. A small amount of PTFE insulation projects from the rear mating plane of the connector, creating a barrier to prevent the bridging of solder between inner and outer conductors.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Clearing the Static: Conductive foot, heel and shoe grounders
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
Conductive foot, heel and shoe grounders are used in electrostatic discharge protected areas to provide a path to ground for static electricity.

Read more...
Clearing the Static: Cleaning in an ESD-protected area
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
Cleaning in a protected electrostatic discharge area is a critical task to maintain the integrity of sensitive electronic components and prevent damage caused by static electricity.

Read more...
ESD vinyl flooring
Actum Electronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
ESD vinyl needs to be earthed by laying a conductive carbon or copper-based adhesive to glue down the sheeting.

Read more...
ESD chair
Actum Electronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
An ESD chair forms an integral part of grounding within the ESD protected area to prevent damage to sensitive components.

Read more...
Clearing the Static: Key principles of ESD control in electronics manufacturing
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
Effectively managing electrostatic discharge is essential in electronics manufacturing to ensure not only product reliability, but also worker safety.

Read more...
Clearing the Static: Three steps for a dry ESD packaging system
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
For optimal storage, it’s essential to complete the dry-packaging system by adding Desiccant Packs and Humidity Indicator Cards.

Read more...
140 W USB-C PD reference design
Altron Arrow Electronics Technology
The design has a wide input range of 90 to 264 V AC, 50-60 Hz, and supports an output voltage range of 5 to 28 V (USB-PD 3.1 specification).

Read more...
Clearing the Static: Ionisation equipment
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) ionisation equipment is designed to neutralise static charges that accumulate on surfaces in environments where ESD-sensitive components or materials are handled. These ...

Read more...
Clearing the Static: How to protect PCBs from electrostatic discharge and moisture
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are essential components in most electronic devices. They are sensitive to environmental factors like electrostatic discharge (ESD) and moisture, which can cause significant ...

Read more...
Clearing the Static: ESD chairs: Essential tools in controlled protected areas
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
Static poses a significant risk in various industries, particularly those involving sensitive electronic components and equipment. To mitigate these risks, electrostatic discharge (ESD) chairs play ...

Read more...